#1
MildObstruction
the artist formerly known as pete not pete
CAGiversary! 10086 Posts Joined 9.8 Years Ago

THIS IS NOT A FLIPPING THREAD. USEFUL CREDIT TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES WELCOME, BUT KEEP THE PROFIT MARGIN TALK / SNEAKY OR LYING SHENANIGANS OUT

Hey trade-in pals! SENDING THINGS IN DISC / CARTRIDGE ONLY / GENERIC CASE NO MANUAL / ANYTHING BUT COMPLETE COULD RESULT IN REJECTION. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS. YOU MIGHT GET ACCEPTED, YOU MIGHT NOT. NO ONE KNOWS. IF YOU CUT OUT A UPC OR DO ANYTHING TO TRICK THE FINE(?) FOLKS AT AFS EXPECT IT TO BE OPENED AND REJECTED. THERE ARE NO HARD AND FAST RULES. IF IT IS ACCEPTED, IT WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY ONLY BE CONSIDERED "ACCEPTABLE." RISK YOUR TIME AND EFFORT AT YOUR PERIL!

I'm getting an acceptance rate of about one per day; it makes me think some supervisor is standing around with a glass of absinthe next to a couple of dumptruck loads of games...while the one responsible for the glitch is made to scan each item and recite its TIV with tears in their eyes. - Indigo_Streetlight

THANKS TO DISILLUSION386 and GI60 FOR POSTING AND MAINTAINING THE PREVIOUS AMAZON TRADE-IN FAQ THREADS

This thread’s primary purpose is to discuss Amazon.com’s video game trade-in program. Conspiracy theories about AFS smashing games before sending them back / stealing children / sneezing and touching public door handles / etc welcome, but try to avoid going nutso. PLEASE READ THE TRADE-IN DEAL DETAILS AND FAQ BEFORE ASKING ANY QUESTIONS.
Trade-In Procedure

1. SELECT ITEMS: Search for items to trade in. Your trade-in items must meet the product eligibility criteria.2. SHIP GAMES FREE: Print a shipping label and packing slip, package your games, and ship them 3. GET A GIFT CARD: An Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your account upon receipt of games

Shipping Instructions

1. Print this entire page. (Packing slip and shipping label once you have submitted a trade)2. Cut out the shipping label and the packing slip.3. Make sure your items are in good working condition and include the case and cover art.4. Securely pack the items in a box or envelope and include the packing slip in the package.5. Attach the shipping label squarely onto the outside of the package and add your return address.6. Take it to your nearest UPS Store and mail it by (one week from submission of trade)7. Or you can ship to:note to self: look up new address
Trade-In Product Eligibility

Trade-in items must match the exact version displayed in the Amazon Trade-In Store, not be damaged, include original packaging (e.g. the manual, cover art, and case), and be postmarked no later than 7 days after submission. You will receive an e-mail confirmation and an Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your account within 2 business days of item receipt and verification by the merchant. Items not accepted by the merchant will be returned to you approximately 14 days after receipt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL FAQ (Updated 12/26/2012)
Can I post a question on this thread?

Spoiler

Only if you can't find the answer from below. And please let me know if it needs to be added to FAQ.

Can I edit this FAQ? (updated 6/7/11)

Spoiler

You bet!

Since when did Amazon start doing trades?

Spoiler

The program began in 2009 and is handled by a third party merchant, previously known as NorAm International. Now known as AFS (Amazon Fulfillment Services).

What kind of shipping does Amazon provide us?

Spoiler

Free UPS ground ---- USPS is no longer available for free. There is now also an option to provide your own shipping.

Do I have to provide my own box or envelope?

Spoiler

Yes.

Do all my games in the same trade-in submission have to be shipped in the same box? (updated 3/9/11)

Spoiler

Not necessarily - people have sent in multiple boxes for the same trade-in submission successfully. It's even possible to send half at one time and the other half at the end of the valid shipping period. However, it's probably best to always ship everything at once.

Can I put separate trades in to a single box? (updated 6/7/11)

Spoiler

Sure, and they'll likely be accepted just fine. However, it isn't recommended since you would only have proof that you sent one of the trades (whichever mailing label you used). So it can be pretty risky.

Can I send in sealed games?

Spoiler

Yes. They won't reject games that still have the original shrink wrap.

Can I add Delivery Confirmation and Insurance to my shipment?

Spoiler

UPS Ground already provides you with tracking information, and I imagine you could get some sort of insurance added at a UPS store or location if you were so inclined.

I don't trust UPS ground. Can I pay for postage myself? What's the address?

Spoiler

Yes. You're more than welcome to do so. Just use the address on the amazon provided shipping label and make sure to get some sort of tracking.

When do I have to send my games once I have submitted my trade order?

Spoiler

You have 1 week (7 days) to send your games. There have been reports of submitting trades up to 15 - 20 days late, but that is definitely ymmv and not in the written rules. Send on time for the best chance at success!

Crap, I have one day to go before my shipment deadline, but the website states that my deadline has already passed. How do I print out a shipping label and packing slip? (Updated 9/9/13)

Spoiler

Load up any existing order (if you don't have any, check your browser's history or just submit a new one to use the link), and substitute the transaction ID for the trade-in order you need at the end of the URL.

Some step by step directions:1. Go to your trade-in page on Amazon and find the Trade-In ID of the transaction:

From the time you send in your games, it may take up to 14 business days for the package to arrive. Most people usually receive their credit (Amazon GiftCard) in 3 to 5 business days, however.

How long does the "processing" status usually take? (Updated 10/11/12)

Spoiler

Usually a day or two with little delay at all. It may take multiple days or even weeks if it's an usual item/hardware.

My games were received on Friday (based on Delivery Confirmation), will I have to wait until Monday to receive credit?

Spoiler

People have received credit on a Saturday.

I do not have the manual, cover art, or original case for a game I want to trade in. Will they accept it? (updated 6/9/11)

Spoiler

While the details specifically state that original packaging is necessary, people have reported in the past that their trades were accepted despite missing some of these. This is extremely YMMV, however since some were also rejected by missing manual or cover art. On the other hand, older gen games; such as SNES, N64, and GB cartridges, normally get accepted without the original box and manual, but still YMMV.

It should be noted that with the new condition requirements (see later in the FAQ), you may be able to send an item in missing some or all of the required items (manual / cover art / case) and still have it accepted in "Acceptable" condition.

I do not have the manual, accessories, original box, original included game, etc for a console or accessory I want to trade in. Will they accept it? (updated 3/9/11)

Spoiler

The current wisdom is "probably not" - it's pretty YMMV but AFS seems stricter than they should be on this. Your chances seem to be better for them accepting a console or accessory without the box / manual / etc if it's older generation or rare. You're more than welcome to give it a shot though if you're feeling lucky - just pack it well and include as much as you can! Don't expect greater than 'acceptable' condition though.

My game is really beat up, what are the chances they’ll accept it?

Spoiler

This is YMMV. Some people have reported in the past that they sent in games in bad shape that were still accepted. Your best bet is still to trade in games in mint condition. Minor scratches are expected as these are used games.

My game came with DLC codes and I used them. Will my game be accepted? (Updated 12/28/11)

Spoiler

It is expected that included DLC codes have already been redeemed, so you should be fine. It is a kindness however if you have no use for it to not redeem it and let the next lucky soul who buys it from awd or wherever have a crack at it. Up to you!

My cover art (PLATINUM HITS) differs from the pic on amazon, will my trade be accepted?

Spoiler

It all depends on the UPC so just turn your game around, type in the UPC into the amazon search box. If the game comes up, then it's accepted regardless of cover art. Click on that result to submit your trade.

I have a game from a limited edition bundle, will they accept it?

Spoiler

If the game’s cover art has a UPC barcode, they will most likely accept it. If your game's cover states "Not for Resale" and does not have a UPC barcode, the game will most likely get rejected. Some people have had their games accepted in the past, but this is very YMMV.

The UPC barcode is not intact on my game's cover art, will that be accepted? (updated 3/9/11)

Spoiler

This is YMMV, but probably not. The UPC is all powerful within the walls of AFS..

I sent in my games, all of which were in pristine condition with the original packaging, but they said that one game is damaged and is now being returned.

Spoiler

Always pack your games well. Put a lot of newspaper around your games in the box to secure them and to prevent any damages from haphazard box cutting. People in the past have requested their entire trade-in order if it’s obvious the damage wasn’t their fault, and Amazon ended up accepting the rejected game. This is YMMV as well.

Can I trade in multiple copies of the same game?

Spoiler

Yes. Once you click “Trade in” for a particular game, you may change the quantities. Once you submit, you can no longer change quantities on that trade-in batch.

How many multiple copies of the same game can I trade-in (updated 1/11/11)?

Spoiler

Maximum of 2 copies within 3 a month period.

I locked in X copies of a game but I now only have Y available to send. Can I just send in Y without being penalized? (updated 3/9/11)

Spoiler

Yes, you can always just send in a portion of your trade-in order and they'll just credit you for whatever they receive. However, the quantities you submitted for will stay locked in that instance (I think) so if you, for example, submitted for 2 copies and only sent 1, you may not be able to trade any more copies of that game for 3 months (see previous question).

Will the Trade-in of the Day TIV stay for 24 hours?

Spoiler

It's been reported that there is a limit (maximum # of copies) that will get the promoted TIV so lock yours.

So if I find a good flip, I can just send 2 copies of that game and not worry about Amazon accusing me of stolen merchandise?

Spoiler

Technically yes, but do keep in mind that other CAGs might want to participate in the current deal, and trading in a large number of the same game will definitely lower the TIV of said game. Let’s be nice to other people. This is probably moot for most folks now with the per account / address trade-in limit.

Wow, these TIVs suck (updated 3/9/11)!

Spoiler

Really? Hrm. While that may be true, they're often better than other comparable places. Your options of what to do with your used games are greater now than they've ever been, so feel free to shop your trades around or just sell them off on glyde/ebay/whatever. Also, not a question.

What the ? The TIV of a game I just bought for this deal tanked! What do I do?

Spoiler

The TIVs on Amazon fluctuate depending on the number of trades that are submitted, and we really can’t do anything about it. The best course of action for trading in games is to lock in your trade if you already have the games or are absolutely sure that you can obtain them. You can always cancel the trade submission if you end up not finding the games.LOCK = SUBMIT YOUR TRADE, Don't just put it in the cart.

Can I edit a submitted trade?

Spoiler

Nope - once upon a time you could modify trade in quantities of submitted trades, but that ability has been removed.

Can I use my credit on items that are not video game-related?

Spoiler

Yes. This is the other perk for trading in games at Amazon since you're not limited to just video games.

Can I use my credit on items sold by third-party merchants on Amazon?

Spoiler

According to the fine print of the Amazon gift card use, some merchants are excluded. Your best bet is to try it on the checkout page of your order.

Strategy guides? I can trade in game/strategy guides? Whaaaaa?

Spoiler

Go to the Textbook Buyback section (http://www.amazon.co....ode=2205237011[/URL]). You can either search on the title of a strategy guide you have to see if they'll accept it, or search for guides. The two best search strings to start with are 'prima guides' and 'bradygames'. Might try 'doublejump' if you want to trade in some of those. (Thanks eugaet)

I locked in some hilariously overvalued trade for some weird rare game/accessory/etc that I can pick up for cheap cheap cheap. They didn't accept it. What should I do? (updated 3/9/11)

Spoiler

The truth is that AFS can reject things for any reason they see fit. While some people have managed to get silly things like a $200 credit for some cheerleading game (or for a PS2 - just ask io!), it's sooooooo YMMV that often it's not worth the effort. EXPECT REJECTION ON THINGS THAT ARE CLEARLY MISVALUED. That said, as long as you're willing to risk it, go for it!

What's all this item condition nonsense? And how can I get screwed over by it? (updated 6/9/11)

Spoiler

We're still kinda sussing out the details surrounding the new item condition portion of Amazon Trade-Ins, but it looks like there's a couple things to consider:Good Condition eligibility (games):- The video game, original manufacturer packaging and all original elements are included, but shows wear from normal use - Game still plays perfectly - Disc may have light scratches and other elements may have minor damage - Item may have been personalized (marked or identified)

Acceptable eligibility (games):- Game still plays perfectly - Item may have been personalized (marked or identified) - Item may be missing or have irreparable damage to one or all of the following: case, manual, artwork, bundled accessories, UPC

Note that a game will almost certainly not be accepted if it meets any of these conditions:- Game does not play perfectly - Disc is cracked - Marked Not for Resale (or is otherwise marked not for sale)

Consoles/accessories have some slightly different criteria, but the idea is the same.

Did it seriously just ask me if I wanted my game / other item returned if they refuse to give me credit for it? (updated 6/9/11)

Spoiler

Yes, that just happened.

Unless you're purposefully sending them things you deem to be trash, please remember to choose the option that has them return your item to you during the checkout phase.

Who is AFS? (updated 9/14/13)

Spoiler

Amazon Fulfillment Services (previously known as NorAm). Dunno if they changed names, were bought up by Amazon, or what. Not too interested anyhow.

Why does my package jump back and forth between states? (updated 9/14/13)

Spoiler

Look at a map of the involved cities and it'll make sense. Something to do with UPS hubs and proximity to the state border/cities.

Good news, Amazon CS continues to come through. I posted in the older thread that my trade-in for Asura's Wrath was rejected for taking too long to be received and had not re-received it nearly two weeks after that happened.

Yesterday I received the following response from my e-mail inquiry:

Hello,

I'm sorry you haven't received your payment for Trade-In order#X yet. Looking at your trade-in order, I see that it appears in "expired" status so that your trade in is showing that it has been rejected.

This can happen when boxes or items in the order are not received or separated from their trade-in slip and we can't identify which order they belong to.

I've issued you a $20.25 promotional certificate for the total amount of your lost trade-in items, which you can use towards your future Amazon.com purchase. This amount applies to your next order automatically--you'll see it during checkout. {truncated}

I have a question. My games have been deleivered according to the tracking info, but are labeled as not yet received. If I talk to customer service will I get credit? An which way of contacting them will have the best chance of success. Thanks.

#10
MildObstruction
the artist formerly known as pete not pete
CAGiversary! 10086 Posts Joined 9.8 Years Ago

I have a question. My games have been deleivered according to the tracking info, but are labeled as not yet received. If I talk to customer service will I get credit? An which way of contacting them will have the best chance of success. Thanks.

As a rule, it's best to wait an ample amount of time first. Turn around is pretty lengthy these days (sometimes a week) and often customer service will ask you to wait until 20-30 days after the trade was locked before they can do anything anyhow.

Just be courteous and patient and you'll be fine. I personally think that email is the way to go so you can have all of your information and thoughts organized.

As a rule, it's best to wait an ample amount of time first. Turn around is pretty lengthy these days (sometimes a week) and often customer service will ask you to wait until 20-30 days after the trade was locked before they can do anything anyhow.

Just be courteous and patient and you'll be fine. I personally think that email is the way to go so you can have all of your information and thoughts organized.

p.s. io was kind enough to add a link in the old thread. Thanks!

Thanks for the help, but I went against your advice (lol) and chatted with a rep, and he immediately credited me the $200 for the trade, no questions asked. I would have got 140 if i had locked in acceptable, so I am glad i didn't! Now what to buy with all this credit from these trades....

My second-to-last trade-in during the inflated-TIV blowout processed yesterday (Transworld Surf [] - $30); I was worried it'd be rejected since I wasn't able to send it until almost a week after the "Ship by" date.

1) My printer is broken & I don't like signing into my account on public computers. Is there a way I could save the shipping label & packaging slip as an image on floppy, cd, usb, etc. and then print it out on another computer?

2) After starting the process, could I cancel without any penalty before shipping my items?

#16
Yars
I'd buy that for a dollar!
CAGiversary! 2840 Posts Joined 10.6 Years Ago Has been playing Strider 2

1) My printer is broken & I don't like signing into my account on public computers. Is there a way I could save the shipping label & packaging slip as an image on floppy, cd, usb, etc. and then print it out on another computer?

2) After starting the process, could I cancel without any penalty before shipping my items?

Thanks

1) The labels are just jpeg or gif files. You can save them and print them up as such. The packing slip will need to be saved as a webpage since it's HTML & image combined.2) You can cancel entire lots w/o any penalty. You can't cancel individual items within a lot, but you can send a partial lot in and Amazon will credit you for whatever they receive.

1) The labels are just jpeg or gif files. You can save them and print them up as such. The packing slip will need to be saved as a webpage since it's HTML & image combined.2) You can cancel entire lots w/o any penalty. You can't cancel individual items within a lot, but you can send a partial lot in and Amazon will credit you for whatever they receive.

1) My printer is broken & I don't like signing into my account on public computers. Is there a way I could save the shipping label & packaging slip as an image on floppy, cd, usb, etc. and then print it out on another computer?

2) After starting the process, could I cancel without any penalty before shipping my items?

Thanks

I think you could also use the print -> save as pdf option if your web browser allows it

Primo pdf is a free program that can print pretty much anything to a pdf. You can then take the pdfs to the library or whatever and print them out. There is another program called cute pdf, but primo works better on most PCs. Not sure about macs.

I just got notification my last trad in expired. They received it 10-1 and it had been processing this whole time. Hopefully they will ship it back.

Just contact a CSR through live chat. They'll take care of it for you. I've had 2 or 3 trades go to "expired" that they had received and left in "processing" limbo for weeks. After talking w/ CSR, they applied "promotional balances" to the account. It isn't added to your gift cards but on your next order, it'll auto-deduct from that promo balance.

#29
MildObstruction
the artist formerly known as pete not pete
CAGiversary! 10086 Posts Joined 9.8 Years Ago

It hasn't updated in over a week. I suspect it's just run aground on some of the page layout changes or amazon has explicitly blocked it. Hopefully our night in shining armor BlueLobstah will someday notice and repair it.

Just contact a CSR through live chat. They'll take care of it for you. I've had 2 or 3 trades go to "expired" that they had received and left in "processing" limbo for weeks. After talking w/ CSR, they applied "promotional balances" to the account. It isn't added to your gift cards but on your next order, it'll auto-deduct from that promo balance.

The promotional credit will only work with items sold directly by amazon and doesn't include 3rd party sellers or even Amazon Warehouse Deals.

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